ROK Espresso Coffee Maker

This device is a classic example of simplicity triumphing over complexity.I previously onwed a top of the line Gaggia "beans to coffee" machine which cost over £600 some years ago. This looked great, and was very convenient, but never made a decent cup of coffee in its life. In order to get an even vaguely acceptable strength it was necessary to have all the controls cranked up to maximum, which meant that only a dribble of coffee emerged at the end. It also went wrong regularly about every ten months and had to go off to be repaired. I was told that the issue with these machines was that they could not build up enough steam pressure (hence the problem with coffee strength) and that what I really needed was a pump action machine.Again, I went for the best one in ths shop, paying from memory about £500 for a Pavoni. This proved worse than the Gaggia. THe coffee produced was either a large cup of luke warm faintly coloured water or a reasonable quantity of weak coffee. I tried experiementing with different pump timings and techniques, and bean ginder settings (yes, I bought one of those too) to no avail except to discover that if you put enough finely ground coffee into the machine it stopped working altogether. After about six months one of the seals blew (on a brand new machine) and I gratefully put it in the car and took it to the recycling dump.When I got the Presso it took me some time to work out how to use it because I really could not believe that it could be as simple as pouring boiling water in the top and pressing down, but it is, and it works fantastically, producing great tasting coffee every time. For the purists, there is no crema on the espresso, but taste-wise it is infintely superior to anything either of my electrical machines produced. Just wait twenty to thirty seconds depending on how strong you like your coffee and then press down slowly and steadily.How sad that in this day and age manufacturers cannot produce an elcetrical machine which is superior to a mechanical device. There is simply no contest on either price or qualilty. I recommend the Presso unreservedly. Zero points to both Gaggia and Pavoni.

It's OK, it looks nice. Get a De Longhi if you want a great coffee. This is sitting on the shelf next to my equally beautiful, but equally crap Baby Gaggia!

Briefly this is a stylish coffee contraption that looks good left out in any kitchen that makes a good cup of coffee. I would say its ideal for one or maybe two people and it certainly gets you involved in experimentation and buying even more coffee. I only stumbled on the ROK recently, missed most of the marketing and publicity. I have now spent a month with the ROK now and so the excitement and hype of getting one has passed.On the negative side the routine can be a bit messy with grinds going everywhere but thats part of the game and I have to say it is a bit of a chore if you are faced with making coffee for more than two people. All I can say is make sure the kettle is full and everything is preheated with hot water. Lack of practice early on, a lapse of concentration maybe will catch you out occasionally but this happens less as you develop method habits. This is not an automated process.On the positive side it is fun making a brew and there is an element of added satisfaction of pulling a really good one that gives me enhanced enjoyment of the coffee. Plus the house often smells of coffee now. From the durability side I like the idea it is simple to get and replace parts, just a screwdriver needed.The ROK can make a good espresso regularly once you mastered your own routine and choice of bean. At risk of repeating other reviews you do need to sort out your favourite bean, method of grinding, warming, tamping and then pulling. Don't be shy of trying beans you might not think are good enough either you maybe surprised. I still enjoy filtered coffee in the morning and I will have a ROK espresso or two later most days. I find I use a quite different beans and grind for each method.Visitors have been impressed with the results I have served and wanted to know more. I would strongly recommend you serve beans you know are good for the machine and have tried before and don't risk a new type on newcomers unless they want to be part of the taste testing too. You have to be engaged with the process and I would not recommend if you need to make several cups quickly. Also I think the price is an issue for some people and I think could be sold a bit lower; for example it comes in a very substantial and stylish large metal can which on reflection must add a significant cost to the product, why not make that a gifting choice?. I personally do not use the can for storage, it would be just more steps to pack and unpack it. That said I think the results in your cup are more than decent for the price and a great idea if you are a bit of an experimenter, currently cannot justify the rest of money or space for a big electric espresso machine.